The Last Story - Thoughts?

[Scrustle]

As some of you may know there is a JRPG coming out for the Wii called The Last Story which is one of the games that Project Rainfall was trying to get released in the USA. From recent news it seems that they have succeeded with this, but that's not the point of this thread. I was simply wondering what people's impressions of the game are so far. The game is coming out here in the UK this Friday (without getting much attention, strangely) and I was considering getting it. The real time battle system based around drawing attention towards or away from your various party members seems really interesting to me. But I'm normally against buying JRPGs in general, the biggest reason usually being the slow paced and repetitive turn based combat. But this game seems to be different.

So what do you guys all think of it? Do you think it looks like it's worth getting? Do you think it would be enjoyable for someone who usually doesn't go for JRPGs?

 

[Epona]

I am also interested now that it's going to be released here in the US. I can only imagine that it didn't do well in Japan based on their lack of enthusiasm releasing it everywhere else.

 

[Ignatz_Zwakh]

I am also interested now that it's going to be released here in the US. I can only imagine that it didn't do well in Japan based on their lack of enthusiasm releasing it everywhere else.

I don't know if that's truly the case. I was under the impression that Nintendo just simply wasn't up for pouring some cash into something that wouldn't net their entire demographic in one shot. I.E. it not possessing a Nintendo mascot or being a casual game didn't make it a sure-fire hit for the soccer-moms/under 10 year-olds they envision to be the only people who fiddle about with wiis.

 

[Strain42]

Am I excited for Last Story itself? Not really, no, I'm actually rather indifferent towards the game.

HOWEVER, I am still happy that it's being released.

1. Because I'm happy for all the people that did want it who get to play it, and
2. Because since this game and whatever that first one was is getting released, we might also be able to get Pandora's Tower, the only one of the three games that did interest me.

So while I'm not excited for the game itself and have no interest in buying it, I am happy for everything that it represents and I hope it's a sign of good things to come.

 

[Chased]

I actually might buy this. I recall seeing the trailer a long time ago and thought it looked sweet.

Also, I dig the art direction.

Spoiler

 

[Scrustle]

I am also interested now that it's going to be released here in the US. I can only imagine that it didn't do well in Japan based on their lack of enthusiasm releasing it everywhere else.

I don't think that's really the case. The game was always expected to release in Europe, just like Xenoblade. It's just that Nintendo seemed to have this weird idea that it wasn't worth localising and shipping to America because they thought it wouldn't sell well enough to make it worth it. But like the rest of the Project Rainfall games, it seems to be one of the most interesting (especially to a Western audience) JRPGs to be made for the Wii. Luckily they seem to have listened to their fans.

I actually might buy this. I recall seeing the trailer a long time ago and thought it looked sweet.

Also, I dig the art direction.

Yeah I really like the art style too. One of the things that drew me to it.

I think I've decided to buy it after all. Being a Wii game it doesn't cost much, and it seems like a JRPG which I would actually enjoy, which is a rare thing for me. Also I just want to support it's release to show Nintendo that there is still interest in Japanese games in the West.

 

[Chased]

I think I've decided to buy it after all. Being a Wii game it doesn't cost much, and it seems like a JRPG which I would actually enjoy, which is a rare thing for me. Also I just want to support it's release to show Nintendo that there is still interest in Japanese games in the West.

This was my thinking also. When I heard about The Last Story, the Wii was the only gaming system I had besides my Gamecube and Super Nes (my computer being a Mac). So at the time, I was that small niche audience of hardcore gamers on the Wii, wanting games like this.

Be sure to report back if you like it or not, the US won't be getting it till April.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Err shouldn't you had made this thread tommorrow when the game is official out in Europe?

What interest me with the Last Story is the you can change the character gears and will correspond in the cutscene similar to Xenonblade Chronicles (I mean I like being given a character creation well changing the armour etc) and the fact you can play it online to co-op with other or fighter each other.
I admit I only buying it since the Wii is the only console I own (well and a DS) and we all that the Wii don't get many good games release on a daily basis. Regardless I have high hope of the game since that other game Xenoblade Chronicles had turn out to be a fantastic game.

Anyway here is one of the new trailer.

Yes I will edit this tommorrow to let you know what I think of it.

EDIT- I'm currently playing the game. So far while the customation is better than Xenoblade (you can dye their clothing) but overall I still prefer Xenoblade. I have been thinking of making a Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story type of review over here if people would be interested in it.

 

[Epona]

I don't think that's really the case. The game was always expected to release in Europe, just like Xenoblade. It's just that Nintendo seemed to have this weird idea that it wasn't worth localising and shipping to America because they thought it wouldn't sell well enough to make it worth it. But like the rest of the Project Rainfall games, it seems to be one of the most interesting (especially to a Western audience) JRPGs to be made for the Wii. Luckily they seem to have listened to their fans.

No they didn't listen to their fans, they (Nintendo) still aren't releasing it in America, XSEED is. That tells me that Nintendo has no faith in it's sales over here.

 

[kaioshade]

Nintendo of America is useless. Instead of releasing some good variety on their system, they are content shoving mario, kirby and other games down our throats. Reggie needs to step down and let someone who can actually listen to their fans while making money for the company take over.

 

[Kyrian007]

I have been looking forward to The Last Story for some time now, but am a little concerned about XSEED taking over the conversion. They usually work with good games but their localization (at least for N. America) is pretty hit or miss.

 

[Scrustle]

Well I hope this doesn't count as necroing this thread (why is that so bad anyway?), but I have been playing the game for a few days now and I'd like to share my impressions.

So far it's really good. The battle system is interesting and versatile, but is easy to understand. Although I'm not too keen on the standard attack being automatic when you get close to any enemy, it doesn't feel like the game is playing itself. All the special skills make it feel involving. The graphics looks great. They kind of have the same tone as Twilight Princess, but with more JRPG style character design. Some of the characters are slightly cliche, but they are well written. One of them also happens to be (presumably) lesbian alcoholic. The voice acting isn't perfect, but far better than a lot of JRPGs out there. The armour upgrade system is also pretty cool. There are a collection of base armour sets which suit different combat styles and as you upgrade them more is added to them. For example metal plates cover the heavy armour once you upgrade it. Being able to colour armour is pretty cool too. But one bad thing I've noticed that's pretty severe is that there is a lot of slow down when you get in to a busy battle. It happens pretty often. It doesn't ruin the experience, but it's impossible to ignore. Overall I'm pretty pleased with the game and the gamble of buying it payed off.

 

[Otaku World Order]

Personally, I'm really looking forward to this and Xenoblade Chronicles. It's nice to have a couple of Wii games to get excited about this year.

 

[Tony2077]

it sounds interesting but i don't have a wii why do they have to mock me so